It takes a community to keep a town beautiful

I am happy to inform members of the Greater Lakes Region area that the Town of Gilford is the proud recipient of the New Hampshire Community Beautification Award by the N.H. Arborist Association.

This excerpt from their Web site states, "The New Hampshire Arborists Association Community Beautification Awards Program was established in 1981 by the New Hampshire Arborist Association to encourage New Hampshire communities to have an increased awareness of the value and benefit of tree care and maintenance as well as landscape beautification. Certified Arborists judge nominated communities based on four criteria including: Maintenance of Existing Trees, Shrubs and Flowers; Planting in public areas; Enthusiasm and Spirit of those actively involved in Beautification Projects; and Overall Community Appearance — Cleanliness, Aesthetics, and Initiative in Downtown and other Public Area."

This award was possible, according to the Board of Selectmen, by the "tireless efforts of Dee Chitty along with her pride and dedication in maintaining and improving the Town-owned buildings and grounds that ultimately led to this beautification recognition."

Dee is the lead custodian for the Gilford Department of Public Works. In the Certificate of Appreciation selectmen presented to her on May 13 upon the recommendation of her supervisor, Public Works Director Sheldon Morgan, they wrote that they "hereby convey our sincere appreciation to Dee Chitty for exemplary service above and beyond the call of duty and furthermore are honored to have the services of Dee Chitty as an extraordinary employee of the Town of Gilford." Her fellow employees are in total agreement.

As part of her written summary presented to the N.H. Arborist Association, Dee noted Martina Howe of Beans & Greens on Intervale Road donated flowers, fertilizer and good advice for the proper placement of the annuals for the best effect. She highlighted all the areas she and Jim Dinan care for including all Town buildings, (Town Hall, Public Works, Fire-Rescue, and Library), Lincoln Park and Tannery Hill Bridge (if you haven't been to either of these parks, do yourself a favor and go), Memorial Stones, Flag Poles, and Glendale Docks. Everywhere that Dee and Jim care for is a beauty to behold but there are additional areas that need more plantings.

Presently, we have orange tiger lilies and lavender irises thanks to Judy & Sheldon Morgan along with a few other smaller plants donated by other employees. However, these areas need more color and variety. The purpose of this letter is to request area gardeners if they would be agreeable to share some of their perennials with the Town. If you are willing, we will gladly receive your donation at the Gilford Fire-Rescue Department at 39 Cherry Valley Road (aka Route 11A) or if you need help in separating them, please call me at 527-4758 and we'll lend a willing trowel. Thank you in advance for your generosity and kindness.